The North Carolina Department of Transportation has announced that one lane in each direction of I-40 near the Pigeon River Gorge will reopen by New Year’s Day. This will allow access between North Carolina and Tennessee. The temporary fix comes after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to the highway, leaving parts of it impassable. While traffic will be limited to 40 mph over a nine-mile stretch, the reopening is expected to improve critical transportation while long-term repairs are planned.